Eurobodalla Shire Council have been invited to submit their full Business Case for assessment under the Australian Government’s highly anticipated $272.2 million Regional Growth Fund.
Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis welcomed this exciting news for the region as the first stage of the assessment process has been highly competitive, with more than 300 applications received from state and territory governments, local governments, businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
“I’m proud to announce we’ve assigned $25 million in funding for the Regional Aquatic and Arts Centre in Batemans Bay. I worked with the previous Minister for Regional Development, the Deputy Prime Minister and Eurobodalla Shire Council to prove that we had community support to deliver the centre.” said Mrs Sudmalis.
“This $50 million project will create 51 direct jobs during construction and an ongoing 17 jobs after construction. The centre will include a 25m eight lane pool with ramp access, 10m warm water therapy pool and spa, freeform indoor leisure pool including learn to swim and toddler areas, water splash pad and waterslides, gymnasium, foyer and café, a 500 seat auditorium and a gallery, exhibition space, rehearsal areas, workshops and meeting rooms.”
“This will cater for our 1.3 million visitors in the region each year and increase the number of overnight stays by 25%. Congratulations to our community and thank you for your support.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said “The Regional Growth Fund will unlock economic opportunities across regional Australia and we know that when the regions are strong, so too is our nation.”
“I am pleased to announce the Government has selected a range of projects to progress to the next stage. These projects are one step away from receiving funding and making the regions where they are located even stronger and more resilient.”
“The projects selected for Stage 2 focus on building on existing strengths, re-invigorating industries and tapping into a region’s tourism potential.”
More information is available at http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/regional-growth-fund.aspx It will now be up to the Council to put together a business case that clearly and transparently shows the community can meet the running costs of such a centre without facing a rate increase to find money to run the centre, maintain it and then replace it at its end of life.
